Things to do nearGoing-to-the-Sun Road

Going-to-the-Sun Road has been a marvel of engineering since it opened in 1933, carved by hand into cliffs that had never before seen a vehicle. Crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997, recognized not only for its scenic splendor but for the sheer audacity of its construction. The road remains one of the finest examples of parkway design in the United States.

Travelers on the road pass through an extraordinary range of ecosystems. On the west side, ancient cedar and hemlock forests shade the trail to Avalanche Lake, one of the most rewarding short hikes in the park. As the road climbs, the forest gives way to open alpine meadows alive with wildflowers in July and August. At the summit, the Logan Pass Visitor Center sits at 6,646 feet and serves as the trailhead for the famous Highline Trail.

On the east side, the road descends toward the broad prairie landscape surrounding Saint Mary Lake, whose blue-green waters reflect the jagged peaks above. Wildlife sightings are common throughout, and the shifting light at dawn and dusk makes Going-to-the-Sun Road a rewarding destination for photography at any season it is open.